What Are Noble Grapes?

Have you ever heard of the term “noble grape” and wondered what it means? You may have heard this term during a wine tasting or seen it on a label. But is it about the grape’s history, quality, or something else?

What Exactly Is a Noble Grape?

There is no official definition of a “noble grape.” The term describes grape varieties with a reputation for consistently producing excellent wines, regardless of where they are grown. These grape varieties are known for their high quality, have a long and storied lineage and are highly respected in the wine world.

The term “noble” was traditionally given to just six grape varieties considered superior for producing wines. These were Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Merlot for red wines, and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling for white wines.

These grapes have proven their ability to grow well in their original regions and different climates worldwide while retaining their unique qualities and adapting to their new environments.

Ongoing debate surrounds which grape varieties should be classified as “noble.”

As global wine production has expanded, many grape varieties beyond the original six have consistently demonstrated their ability to produce high-quality wines. Some wine experts believe that other common varietals like Syrah, Nebbiolo and Grenache should be included for red wines, while Sémillon, Chenin Blanc and Viognier should be included for white wines. Others believe local varieties from specific regions (such as Tempranillo from Spain, Malbec from Argentina or Sangiovese from Italy) should also be considered “noble.”

Despite the lack of consensus among experts, the noble grape classification is still helpful in helping wine lovers identify grape varieties with a proven record of producing excellent wines.

The Original 6 Noble Grapes

Each of the original six noble grapes has its unique characteristics and flavors:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon

Originally from Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon is grown worldwide. It’s known for producing deep, full-bodied wines with high tannin levels and noticeable acidity, making the wines highly age-worthy. They typically have dark fruit flavors such as black currant plus hints of green bell pepper, mint or cedar when grown in cooler climates. Oak aging can add vanilla and spice nuances.

2. Merlot

While Merlot originated in Bordeaux, its ability to adapt to different landscapes and climates has seen it planted worldwide. Merlot creates medium- to full-bodied wines with juicy fruit flavors of plum, black cherry, hints of spice and occasionally chocolate. They’re smoother and more rounded than many red wines, making them accessible and enjoyable, whether young or aged.

3. Pinot Noir

Originally hailing from the vineyards of France’s Burgundy region, Pinot Noir is now grown in wine regions across the globe. Growing this thin-skinned red grape is an art, demanding a cool, dry climate and delicate handling due to its sensitivity to heat, frost, moisture and wind. Pinot Noir creates elegant and refined wines. These light- to medium-bodied wines typically offer high acidity and a vibrant, translucent hue. Fresh red fruit notes of strawberries, raspberries and cherries dominate, evolving into complex earthy and savory nuances as the wine matures. Its high acidity and lower tannin content make it a versatile wine that pairs well with many dishes.

4. Chardonnay

Also born in France’s Burgundy region, the Chardonnay grape now thrives in vineyards worldwide, offering a spectrum of wine styles depending on the climate and winemaking techniques employed. In cool regions, it leans toward crisp, mineral profiles with green apple and citrus notes, while in warmer climes, it unveils a rich, buttery character filled with tropical fruits. And if oak-aged? Expect enchanting hints of caramel and vanilla.

Chardonnay embraces its opulent side in sun-soaked places like California’s Napa Valley, delivering full-bodied wines brimming with ripe, tropical fruit flavors.

5. Sauvignon Blanc

With roots in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc makes dry white wines with high acidity. It’s known for its distinctive profile—green apple, lime and passion fruit are common, along with cut grass or bell pepper notes and sometimes even a flinty minerality. Sauvignon Blanc is celebrated worldwide for its refreshing character, and has in recent years become the signature wine of New Zealand’s Marlborough region.

6. Riesling

As a key grape in German wine, Riesling is revered for its high acidity and distinctive aromatic profile. Riesling wines have flavors from tart citrus and green apple to tropical fruits, often with floral or mineral accents. They can be made from bone dry to sweet, all balanced beautifully by the grape’s natural acidity.

New Contenders for “Noble Grape” Status

As wine production evolves, other grape varieties have shown their ability to produce high-quality wines. Many wine experts now consider up to 18 grapes to be noble. Here’s an overview of the new noble grape varieties:

Red Wine Grape Varieties

Grenache is commonly used in blends to produce wines that exhibit red fruit flavors with peppery undertones. It can also excel on its own in certain regions, and is the primary grape behind some of the world’s most famous rosés.
Sangiovese is the backbone of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. It is known for its bright cherry flavors, food-friendly tannins and medium-to-high acidity.
Nebbiolo is the grape variety used in Barolo and Barbaresco. It is known for its aromatic complexity, high tannin content, red fruit flavors and secondary notes of tar and roses.
Tempranillo is the primary grape in Rioja. Wines made with Tempranillo have red fruit flavors, often complemented by leather and tobacco notes when aged.
Syrah is commonly grown in the Rhône Valley and produces full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors, peppery spice and smoky notes. It also thrives in Australia’s Barossa Valley and California’s Paso Robles region.
Malbec is known for its plump, dark fruit flavors and smoky finish, with wines from Argentina particularly celebrated.

White Wine Grape Varieties

Pinot Grigio is the most famous white grape grown in northeast Italy. Now grown the world over, it is known for creating light and crisp wines with citrus and green apple flavors.
Chenin Blanc can produce a range of wine styles, from dry and crisp to sweet and rich (even sparkling), always with a high level of acidity. This grape variety is particularly famous in the Loire Valley (its spiritual home) and South Africa.
Moscato, also known as Muscat, is a sweet, fruity wine with low alcohol content. It is highly aromatic and often features rich fruit, honey and floral notes.
Gewürztraminer has exotic notes of lychee, rose and spice. It tends to produce medium-to-full-bodied wines and is loved for its heady, perfumed aromas.
Sémillon is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc. Sémillon adds richness and body to wine, with flavors ranging from citrus to honey when aged.
Viognier produces full-bodied, aromatic white wines with floral and stone fruit aromas and a hint of creaminess.

What about the 5 Noble Grapes of Bordeaux?

The term “noble grapes” is often used when describing Bordeaux’s red wines, specifically. The region’s blends are traditionally created using a combination of five (arguably “noble”) grape varieties, each contributing unique characteristics to the Bordeaux blend.

Cabernet Sauvignon is often used as the backbone of Bordeaux blends, particularly on the Left Bank, as it adds structure, intense color and strong tannins. It also contributes flavors of blackcurrant, plum and a hint of spice.

Merlot is the dominant grape in red Bordeaux blends from the Right Bank. It has lush and velvety characteristics, flavors of ripe plum and cherry and a roundness that balances the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Franc adds a refreshing complexity of aromas and flavors, often including notes of tobacco and raspberry when used in smaller proportions.
Petit Verdot is added sparingly to Bordeaux blends due to its late-ripening tendencies, but it amplifies the wine's color, flavor concentration and tannic structure. It often brings notes of violet and spice to the blend.
Malbec used to be more commonly planted in Bordeaux, but now it only plays an occasional role in the region’s blends, contributing its deep color, tannins and juicy plum flavors.

The exact proportions of these grapes can vary significantly from one Bordeaux blend to another, influenced by factors like the vineyard’s location, the specific vintage and the winemaker’s style. The ultimate goal is always to achieve a harmonious and complex blend, where each grape contributes its strengths without overpowering the others.

Explore our range of red and white wines and discover your favorite noble grape.

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